Those lands along the southeast coast of the Baltic sea were the birthplace of the great Prussian name Hehn. A single name was, at one time, all that people needed. However, increasing ease of travel and the burgeoning populations forced people to adopt a hereditary surname to set themselves apart from others. A common form of surname found in Prussia was the local name, a name taken on from an existing place-name. The surname Hehn was first used by someone who lived in many places throughout Prussia. The surname Hehn was created from the widespread and popular Christian name Heinrich. According to some, the name comes from heim, and rich, meaning "ruler of the home."

Hehn Early Origins

The surname Hehn was first found in Prussia, where the family contributed greatly to the development of an emerging nation and would later play a large role in the political conflicts of the area. The family branched into many houses, many of which acquired estates and manors throughout the surrounding regions, where they played significant roles in the social and political affairs. The name became popular from its use among many Germanic Emperors and nobles. Most noted among these were Heinrich I (der Vogler) and Heinrich II, both of whom are also holy figures. Others include Heinrich VII of Luxemburg and Prince Heinrich the Lion of Brunswick. Individual bearers of the family name first mentioned in ancient chronicles include Heinrich Heymrich of Kassel in 1368.

Hehn Spelling Variations

Hehn Spelling Variations

In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Hehn include Heinrich, Heinreich, Heinrick, Heinricke, Heinrichs, Heinritz, Heimrich, Heimreich, Heimrick, Heimricke, Heimrichs, Heimritz, Hinerich, Hinerick, Hinereich, Hinericke, Hinerichs, Hinreich, Hinrich, Hinrick, Hinricke, Hinrichs, Hinritz, Hennerich, Hennericks, Hennereich and many more.

Hehn Early History

Hehn Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hehn research. Another 661 words (47 lines of text) covering the years 1738, 1760, 1631, 1654, 1805, 1781 and 1861 are included under the topic Early Hehn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hehn Early Notables (pre 1700)

Hehn Early Notables (pre 1700)

Another 26 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hehn Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Prussia played an extremely influential role in shaping modern German history. It remained a part of Germany until after the Second World War. Prussia was divided among the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. Many Prussians became residents of these new countries after the War, and many migrated to other parts of Germany or Europe, as well as to North Ameri ca. In the United States, the majority of settlers landed in Philadelphia, and moved on to Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Many German settlers also migrated to Canada, particularly to Ontario and the Prairies. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Hehn were

Hehn Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Johann Peter Hehn, who landed in America in 1741

Philip Hehn, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1765

Hehn Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Henry Hehn, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1841

Contemporary Notables of the name Hehn (post 1700)

Contemporary Notables of the name Hehn (post 1700)

Paul N. Hehn (1927-2014), American historian who specialized in World War II

Keri Hehn (b. 1981), American bronze medalist swimmer a the 2007 Pan American Games

The Hehn Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Hehn Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.